CM Munda okays suspended IG Natarajan's dismissal

Acting upon the recommendation of the departmental proceedings, Chief minister Arjun Munda has given his nod to the dismissal of PS Natarajan, a 1975-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, from the service.

Acting upon the recommendation of the departmental proceedings, Chief minister Arjun Munda has given his nod to the dismissal of PS Natarajan, a 1975-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, from the service.

Natarajan, presently inspector general under suspension, was caught on camera in a compromising position with a tribal lady, Sushma Baraik. The lady, who is now in jail on the charges of patronising a criminal gang in Gumla, had accused Natarajan of exploiting her.

Principal secretary to the chief minister DK Tiwari said that the chief minister’s order followed the home department’s recommendations on the basis of departmental proceedings.

“Now the government would send its recommendation to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for Natarajan’s dismissal,” added Tiwari.

Ironically, the Ranchi circuit bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had issued an order asking the State government to revoke the suspension of Nagarajan on the plea that the very basis of the act was no in conformity to the provisions of the law.

Soon after the tapes containing Natarajan's sexual escapades were telecast by a private channel, the state government placed the officer under suspension in July 2005. The CAT, however, ordered for reinstatement of his service saying that there was no case against the officer when he was suspended.

Home secretary JB Tubid said that the department has sought the chief minister’s nod to go in appeal against the CAT order. “We are awaiting for the approval to proceed,” he added.

Justifying the department’s move, sources in the Home department said that rulebook regarding conduct of All India services contained the provision for suspension without lodging of criminal case against any officer. “In Natarajan case, he was prima facie found guilty of misconduct after a private television channel telecast him indulging in compromising position with a tribal lady,” said an additional director general rank officer.